The best swimming spots on earth are sure to have you reaching for your swimsuit! Whether you’re an avid swimmer or prefer a laid-back paddle, there’s something magical about a good swim. With the rising popularity of ‘wild swimming’, we thought we’d share our pick of swim destinations to visit on your next getaway! From tropical seas to thermal springs, it’s time to dive into the best swimming spots on earth!
# River Aare, SwitzerlandThe bright waters of the River Aare, situated in Bern, Switzerland, are one of the best swimming spots imaginable. When the heat of the summer rises, Bern’s locals flock to the riverbanks of Aare to dive into its clear waters. One of the most popular things to do is to head upstream and float all the way down through the city. The perfect mix of nature and urban life, a swim in the River Aare is unmissable if you visit Bern during the summer. Although, swimmers are warned to give themselves time to acclimatise to the refreshingly chilled water before setting off on their swim route.
# The MaldivesIn the Maldives, sea temperatures rarely dip before 25 degrees Celsius. These tropical waters are teeming with marine life, from schools of parrotfish to adorable clownfish and majestic sea turtles. Vibrant coral reefs provide a rich environment for this underwater world. For the best views, scuba diving is incredibly popular, but snorkelling is also a great option, and much more accessible. The Maldives is one of the best swimming spots on earth as the waters are so clear you don’t even need to snorkel or dive to view the incredible sea life. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you can even swim with dolphins in the Maldives. Dolphins tend to appear close to the shoreline in the early morning.
# Blue Lagoon, IcelandOne of Iceland’s most popular attractions is also one of the best swimming spots to tick off of your bucket list! Surrounded by black lava fields, these milky-blue thermal waters maintain a steady temperature of around 39°C. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa, and its mineral-rich water is said to have a whole host of therapeutic properties. Although better suited to relaxing rather than swimming, the Blue Lagoon covers an area of 8,700 square meters, so there’s plenty of room to float around! The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is during the evenings. In the winter you might even spot the legendary Northern Lights, whilst in the summer you can experience the Midnight Sun!
# Phi Phi Islands, ThailandOne of the most popular destinations in Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands are a paradise of turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Famously, the islands were the setting for ‘The Beach‘. Tourists flock to this natural paradise on day trips from Phuket. Some of the best swimming spots on Ko Phi Phi Don are Loh Lana Bay, Phak Nam Bay and Nui Beach, where you can immerse yourself in clear, tropical waters. Surrounded by an untouched paradise of rocky islets and rainforests, the Phi Phi Islands are also popular for scuba diving and snorkelling excursions.
# Ik Kil Cenote, MexicoSituated close to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote is one of the most unique swimming spots on earth. A cenote is a natural pool, created by the collapse of limestone bedrock which, in turn, reveals an underground lagoon. As the sun filters through the cave entrance, the water becomes illuminated in a beautiful turquoise glow, giving the cenote an otherworldly appearance. Ik Kil Cenote is one of the best swimming spots for an unforgettable bucket-list experience. Furthermore, this freshwater pool is the best place for a refreshing dip after a day of walking around archaeological sites. Traditionally, cenotes were thought to have magical powers so there’s an added bonus to your cenote experience!
# Devil’s Pool, ZambiaThe Devil’s Pool is one of the best swimming spots on earth. Perched on the lip of the Victoria Falls, this natural pool offers one of the most unique bathing experiences imaginable. A submerged rock wall prevents swimmers from falling over the edge of the waterfall and the views are simply unforgettable. Indeed, it might take a little courage to jump into this cliff-hugging pool, but it’s more than worth it! Remember, the pool is only open in the dry season, between August and January. Furthermore, it can only be accessed from the Zambian side of the border, and not from Zimbabwe.